What is eco-anxiety and how to combat it

Eco-anxiety is one of the psychological manifestations that persists today due to the intense climatic changes that affect the environment. Often, the concerns that arise in people who show a marked interest in the environmental events are reflected by various symptoms typical of a clinical picture that could be of gravity. In this sense, it is pertinent to consider that the media denote a clear influence on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors of human beings because they have the ability to produce a affectation. Given the uncertainty caused by the deterioration of the environment, many people show deep suffering that can alter the development of daily life activities. Having certain resources available allows us to cope in a more pleasant way with the events that occur.

In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about What is eco-anxiety and how to combat it.

Index

1. What is eco-anxiety
2. Why eco-anxiety affects youth
3. How do I know if I have echoanxiety?
4. How to combat or stop eco-anxiety

Eco-anxiety is a fear that arises from the idea that there are environmental disasters that can endanger society. In turn, this term is linked to negative thoughts about the future due to the impact that the climatic changes that are generated could have. Although echoanxiety is not taken into account by the DSM-V^[1], it could be thought that it is a type of anxiety disorder due to the characteristics that it uses.

Next, we will locate the diagnostic criteria that must be met to establish a correct diagnosis:

• Excessive worry for at least six months duration.
• permanent restlessness.
• Irritability.
• Muscle tension.
• sleep disturbances.
• Deterioration of work, social and family relationships.
• The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of another mental disorder and/or the intake of medications.
• The symptoms are not linked to a medical condition.

This mental health problem can affect people of various ages, but there is a predominance in groups of adolescents and young adults. Next, we will show you some reasons why eco-anxiety can affect youth:

Unidealized perspective of the future

The constants changes that occur at the climatic level in the present they generate a disappointment about the development of life in the coming years. In turn, young people see great difficulty in living in a peaceful world due to the complexities of today.

parenting modes

On some occasions, the family mandates that circulated in the first years of life remain impregnated as models to be followed by the youth. In this sense, it is possible that some people have grown up with the idea that adulthood is a stage without major inconveniences. For this reason, the contrast presented by environmental disasters is cause for immense concern.

Given the doubts that may arise about this clinical condition, it becomes necessary to establish some guidelines to detect the presence of this discomfort. Next, we will explain how to know if I suffer from ecoanxiety:

• Apathy: helplessness for the present and hopelessness for the future are conditions that may indicate the presence of eco-anxiety. Here you will find more information about the Apathy: meaning, symptoms and how to overcome it.
• Constant concern for the environment: It is possible to experience mood swings when faced with unpleasant weather-related news. Given this, people may mention that life is meaningless when adversities such as natural disasters occur.
• Behavior and lifestyle modifications: People who suffer from eco-anxiety often make changes in their actions to avoid further damage to the environment.

It is important to note that the diagnosis should always be made by a mental health professional. In the same way, he will be in charge of evaluating the clinical qualities of each person and outlining a specialized treatment.

Despite the obstacles imposed by this problem, there are some solutions that reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Here we will address how to combat or stop eco-anxiety:

• Seek professional help: when there are no alternatives that allow a remission of the problem, the help of a mental health professional is essential. In short, therapy consists of a space for the treatment of the suffering of each person based on their recognition and the subsequent elaboration of solutions.
• Take stock of situations: Sometimes, people with eco-anxiety try to reduce the damage they would cause to the planet from the prohibition of actions. An example of this can be the fact of avoiding driving a car so that the air is clean. In this sense, it is worth reflecting on the need and impact to reduce anxiety.
• Start a social group: Sharing concerns with others can provide another kind of perspective that helps curb discomfort.
• Carry out a proper diet: many times, the bad habits Food causes stress levels that are difficult to bear. Due to this circumstance, eating healthy foods allows us to mitigate certain fears about the environment.
• Consult scientific bibliography: some data sources provide erroneous information about the problems of the planet. To avoid major confusion, it is necessary to go to articles and internet pages that have scientific endorsement.
• Doing physical activity: in times of uncertainty, having playful activities that allow mental relaxation is essential. Because of this, physical activity reduces stress and combats eco-anxiety.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is eco-anxiety and how to combat it, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

1. American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition). Arlington: Panamerican Medical Editorial.

• Reátegui Lozano, R. (2022). Eco-anxiety and the climate crisis. Macaw Scientific Magazine, 7 (1), 7-19.